Overlooking Coimbra from the top of the elevator We got up at 7:00 AM like usual, got breakfast, finished packing up our stuff, and checked out of the hotel. From the hotel we started to drive south towards Evora, with a stop at Coimbra. The stop at Coimbra was recommended by the tour company to see the oldest university in Portugal, established in 1290. You need to take an elevator to get there or walk a very steep hill. The main draw I think is the Baroque Joanina Library, which you get to spend 10 minutes in and not take any pictures. Not taking any pictures sucks because it is a beautiful library, prettier than then one in Ireland. We also got a tour of the old royal palace which was on the site before the university was established as well as the chapel. It should be noted that the pipe organ in the chapel was meant for another larger church, so it is too big for the space. If they play the pipe organ at full strength it breaks ...
Photography and Travel